By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The body of 34-year-old Jesse Cruz of Oakville was found yesterday near the mouth of the river in which he vanished.
[1]Jesse Cruz
Brinnon Fire Department Chief Tim Manly said some workers were checking shellfish around noon yesterday and as they returned from the tide flats spotted Cruz.
Cruz went missing in the Duckabush River in Jefferson County on Saturday afternoon.
He and friends were recreating at a place called Ranger Hole and he had jumped from a high rock into the water and his friends went in behind him, according to authorities.
Manly said someone on land with a stick was helping Cruz’s girlfriend out and he was behind her helping and then he disappeared.
“Jesse was known for his love of the water, he was a good swimmer,” Manley said.
But it’s a location they don’t recommend for swimming, he said.
A search was conducted until dark that night and again on Sunday and Monday, Manly said.
Cruz traveled about three and a half miles down the river, he said.
Manly called it a blessing he was found.
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For background, read “Read about Oakville resident missing after river accident …” from Wednesday June 21, 2017, here [2]